The bett1.de Biathlon World Team Challenge 2024 promises fast-paced races: two teams will once again take to the track for Germany in the VELTINS Arena. Vanessa Voigt and Justus Strelow as well as Franziska Preuß and Philipp Nawrath are pursuing a common goal: the first German victory in eight years. Spectators can also look forward to a varied program off the slopes, where singer Daniele Puccia, among others, will heat up the audience.
The four German biathletes are traveling to Gelsenkirchen with justified hopes: After her success at the World Cup in Hochfilzen, Franziska Preuß is currently leading the overall World Cup. With her victory, Franziska Preuß ended her six-year dry spell in the sprint and led the relay team, which also includes Vanessa Voigt, to a long-awaited triumph. Voigt secured second place in the pursuit race and also proved to be absolutely world class.
Her male team colleagues are also coming to the biathlon WTC in top form: Philipp Nawrath, one of the longest-serving DSV athletes, climbed onto the podium in the Kontiolahti sprint and currently occupies a remarkable seventh place in the overall World Cup as the best German. Justus Strelow has also proven that he is once again playing an important role. With improving form at the shooting range and a skiing performance that is better than ever before, he has presented himself impressively in the last two World Cup weeks. The 27-year-old is already looking forward to his premiere in Schalke: "So many people in such a small space and such a high-caliber field, anything can happen. But of course I hope that we sell ourselves well together. In any case, I was delighted when I was asked. It's a real honor for me to be part of it."
Top-class starting field
However, the starting field for the 21st Biathlon WTC promises strong competition: France's Julia Simon and Fabien Claude are aiming to complete the hat-trick this year. Also taking part: Anna Magnusson and Jesper Nelin (Sweden), Karoline Offigstadt Knotten and Sturla Holm Laegreid (Norway), Markéta Davidová and Michal Krčmář (Czech Republic), Juliya Dzhyma and Dmytro Pidruchnyi (Ukraine), Anna Gandler and Simon Eder (Austria) and Lotte Lie and Florent Claude (Belgium). In addition, Baiba Bendika and Andrejs Rastorgujevs will be competing for the first time at Schalke: Latvia.
DSDS participant Daniele Puccia sets the mood
Daniele Puccia from the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg will be providing the musical entertainment this year. He began his musical career in 2021 on the TV show "Deutschland sucht den Superstar". There, the Wuppertal native reached the semi-finals and attracted the attention of the music industry for the first time. After signing a contract with Universal Music, the 23-year-old appeared on various TV shows and twice provided the musical accompaniment to Super RTL's Toggo Tour. With a mixture of soulful ballads and rousing hits in the German pop genre, Daniele Puccia is coming to the biathlon at Schalke for the first time this year to thrill the audience. An impressive indoor fireworks display will once again provide the perfect finale - it is precisely these goosebump moments that make the Biathlon WTC unique.
Special atmosphere in the winter village too
Fun and excitement are guaranteed for visitors, and not just on the snow. Since 2002, the world's biggest biathlon spectacle with its World Cup-level cross-country ski run has been one of the most popular winter sports events in the world. The impressive atmosphere of the VELITNS Arena is also transferred to the outdoor area, where biathlon fans cheer on the athletes directly on the cross-country ski run. From midday onwards, there will be an exuberant party atmosphere in the popular winter village with DJs, hands-on modules, sponsor stands and delicious culinary offerings.
If you want to get involved in sport yourself, you have to be quick: Anyone interested can register for the first Biathlon Darts World Championships until Friday (20.12.). Several teams of four players will compete against each other in a tournament format and throw at a biathlon-like target specially designed for this competition. The aim is to place as many darts as possible in the target area. Not only precision is required here, but also speed. All information about the Biathlon Darts World Championships can be found at biathlon-aufschalke.de.
Secure tickets now
Advance ticket sales for the biathlon at Schalke on Saturday, December 28, are already in full swing. Tickets are available from 19 euros at tickets.schalke04.de, via the hotline 0209 | 9775 1877 and at the Service Center at the FC Schalke 04 office (Ernst-Kuzorra-Weg 1, 45891 Gelsenkirchen).
Looking for a suitable Christmas present? From the purchase of two tickets in the PK2, PK3, PK5 and PK10 categories, the limited biathlon gift box is available at the Service Center. In addition to the tickets and a greeting card, fans receive two scarves and two heat pads for just €15 - the perfect equipment for an unforgettable day at Schalke. Grab it now and give the gift of joy! If you already have tickets, you can get the box on December 28 at all S04 stores on the event grounds and in the VELTINS-Arena.
